VIETNAM - PRITCHARD, CLARENCE R JR

Pritchard, Clarence R Jr

VIETNAM - PRITCHARD, CLARENCE R JR
PRITCHARD, CLARENCE R JR

Rank: Specialist 4

Unit: I Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

MOS: 11E – Armor Crewman

Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge

Unit awards: Valorous Unit Award, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device

Enlisted by: Regular

Date of birth: 9-Jun-1950

Hometown: Lompoc, California

Marital status: Never Married

Campaign: Vietnam Conflict

Entered service: 29-Jul-1969

Start of tour: 23-Jan-1970

Incident date: 15-Nov-1970

Date of casualty: 15-Nov-1970

Age at death: 20

Cause of death: Hostile, died. Explosive Device. Other explosive device.
Clarence R. Pritchard Jr was killed while the driver of a military vehicle on a military mission when a mine detonated. / Driver of tank on reconnaissance mission.  Vehicle detonated hostile mine.

Location of fatality: Binh Duong, South Vietnam, XT 892 418

Place of interment: Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, Lompoc, California, USA

View this soldier‘s Find a Grave page (opens in a new window)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial panel and row: 06W 061 (view Vietnam Veterans Memorial link in a new window)

 

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE

SPECIALIST FOUR CLARENCE R. PRITCHARD
6 MAY 1970
I TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON

11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT

Specialist Four Pritchard distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 6 May 1970 while serving as a Tank Driver with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Pritchard’s platoon was suddenly engaged by an enemy force of unknown size. Under heavy fire from the right flank, he expertly maneuvered his vehicle to allow for more effective suppressive fire. He added to this fire power by voluntarily exposing himself to the enemy fire in order to use his personal weapon. Specialist Four Pritchard’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders No. 4517 (22 December 1970)

 

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

BRONZE STAR MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CLARENCE R. PRITCHARD
23 FEBRUARY 1970
I TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON

11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT

Private First Class Pritchard distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 23 February 1970 while serving as a gunner with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Private Pritchard’s platoon was secured at a night defensive position. While on guard duty in the tanks commander’s hatch, his vehicle received intense small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Immediately Private Pritchard retaliated with quick bursts from his machinegun at the suspected enemy locations. Even though he was severely wounded, he continued to place effective suppressive fire upon the enemy. After his vehicle commander assumed command, Private Pritchard returned to his position as gunner and continued to fire until the enemy attack was repulsed. He was then treated for his wounds and evacuated. Private First Class Pritchard’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders No. 2307 (31 May 1970)